Guildford Castle, Guildford

Guildford Castle and gardens in Guildford, Surrey. — *Photo credit: Guildford Borough Council*

Located smack bang in the centre of town, Guildford Castle was almost certainly built just after the invasion of England by William the Conqueror in 1066. So that makes it rather ancient indeed. The Keep is open to visit from Wednesday to Saturday until Sat 28 Oct, cost is £3.90 adults, £2.30 children. The grounds are open all year round, and are free to enter. Dogs are welcome if they’re on a lead.

Hampton Court Palace, Hampton Court

Henry VIII former residence is technically not a castle, but who’s quibbling – just look at those turrets! With an abundance of Tudor treasures and more than 60 acres for stunning grounds and gardens, there’s plenty here to fill a full day and probably longer. Take in Henry’s Great Hall, the Tudor kitchens and the spectacular baroque palace built for William III and Mary II.

Bodiam Castle, near Robertsbridge, East Sussex

This 14th century moated beauty was built to impress. It’s one of Britain’s most picturesque and evocative castles, set in the heart of an historic landscape with stunning views from the top of the towers. Set on the border of Sussex and Kent near the village of Robertsbridge, Bodiam has been a brooding symbol of power for over 700 years and possesses all of the key ingredients – spiral staircases, battlements, portcullis and a surrounding moat with a ruined interior that will fire up anybody’s imagination.

Windsor Castle, Windsor, Berkshire

The Queen’s weekend hangout, Windsor Castle, is the oldest and largest occupied castle in the world – pretty impressive, right? Inside you can see several exhibitions including Masterpieces from Buckingham Palace – works by Rembrandt, Van Dyck, Rubens and Artemisia removed from the Picture Gallery at Buckingham Palace – as well as a family trail and guided tours.

Hever Castle, Edenbridge, Kent

This 13th-century stunner and childhood home of Anne Boleyn has everything you’d want from a castle – towers, a moat, and a royal haunting thanks to rumours that Anne’s ghost still resides in the chambers. Inside you can see the Becoming Anne: Connections, Culture, Court or head outside to explore the beautiful gardens (including playgrounds and water maze). The 38-acre man-made lake offers lovely vistas, nature walks, and even boat hire.

Arundel Castle, Arundel, Sussex

Arundel Castle looks like something out of a storybook with its old motte perched high (100 feet to be exact) on an artificial mound overlooking the beautiful West Sussex countryside and the River Arun. The gardens here are expansive including the award-winning Tropical and English Gardens, the quirky Stumpery and abundant Kitchen Garden with warm glasshouses growing chillies, grapes and lemons.

Leeds Castle, near Maidstone, Kent

Perched on an island in the middle of the River Len, five miles southeast of Maidstone, this castle has a lot on offer for a jam-packed day including – deep breath – playgrounds, mini golf, pretty gardens, maze, Birds of Prey Centre and, er, Dog Collar Museum!. The Castle View Restaurant serves afternoon tea, or visit at dusk to see it all lit up as you munch on the reasonable set menu (2 courses £26, 3 courses £32).

Sissinghurst Castle Garden, Sissinghurst

A must-do! Sissinghurst Castle is one of the most famous gardens in England – the Garden of England. Stroll around the gardens and gaze up at the 4-storey red-brick Elizabethan tower as you go.

Chiddingstone Castle, near Edenbridge, Kent

An historic house in West Kent with 400 years of history, their grounds are open every day of the year, providing enchanting woodland walks with spectacular views across the Kent countryside. Make sure to stop at The Tea Room, view The Victorian Orangery and view their impressive collection of Ancient Egyptian, Japanese, Jacobite and Stuart, and Buddhist objects. Donate £3 or more in the honesty box at the car park.

Scotney Castle, Lamberhurst, Kent

Scotney Castle has got it covered for that quintessential English outing. Steeped in history and all contained within a beautiful wooded estate, with over 770 acres for you to explore, plus your four-legged friends too. Relax in its picturesque garden with the glorious backdrop of the fairytale castle behind you, and why not bring lunch along to eat in its woodland picnic area to complete your day?

A LITTLE FURTHER AFIELD… BUT WORTH THE JOURNEY

Deal Castle, Deal

Built by the order of King Henry VIII, Deal Castle is one of the finest Tudor artillery castles in England, and a must-see on your visit to the quirky seaside town of Deal! Explore it all, from the storerooms and tunnels below up to the circular rooms above. With displays, children’s activities and fascinating artefacts, the whole family can enjoy the rich and varied history.

Sudeley Castle, Glos, Cotswolds

Located near Winchcombe, it’s no surprise that this majestic castle is a popular wedding venue: the grounds are perfectly manicured and boast views of the rolling Cotswolds. (History nerds will also be interested to know that it’s the only private castle in England to have actual royalty buried within its grounds – Henry VIII’s last wife, Katherine Parr.) There’s plenty to entertain for an afternoon with an adventure playground and 10 – yes 10! – award-winning gardens to explore. Extra points if you spot all 16 species of pheasants that strut around the grounds.

Berkhamsted Castle, Herts

Considering it was built during the Norman Conquest, way back in 1066, what remains of this timber motte-and-bailey castle is still pretty substantial (come on, use your imagination!) and a great option for a family walk peppered with history. Come for a walk around the ruins, and discover Berkhamsted’s history with their mobile-friendly interactive guide. The heritage site is open to visitors from 10am – 6pm. Free entry.

Warwick Castle, Warks

This spectacular castle is always a winner with Muddy and it’s very good at luring us back. The castle and knight’s village are both open and to keep the little people entertained there’s The Falconer’s Quest (the UK’s biggest birds of prey show), the spooky dungeon. The castle is also introducing an exciting new playground, starring Julia Donaldson’s Zog the lovable dragon and Zog live show.

Kenilworth Castle, Warks

This impressive medieval fortress-turned-Elizabethan-palace has loads to see within its grounds, including the mighty Norman keep at the heart (above). Also worth mentioning are the beautifully restored Elizabethan gardens with their marble fountain, ornate aviary and pretty floral displays, plus there’s a café on site. You have to pay to visit, unless you’re a member of English Heritage, but there are some lovely walks around the castle on public footpaths too.

Man the forts! The best castles to visit in Surrey and beyond

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